But Caldwell, who has hosted MSU coaches at Lions practices each of the last two years, said he's a fan of the program that Mark Dantonio has built in East Lansing.

"I think most guys that have played our game and been involved in it, their alma mater is a special place now," Caldwell said. "Let's not get that twisted. But we have some great teams in this state, as well. It's similar teams, actually, when you look at them. Similar programs. Similar way they go about winning. Tough teams, hard-nosed football. It should be a lot of fun to watch."

Michigan State (11-1) and Iowa (12-0) play Saturday night at Lucas Oil Stadium, with the winner all but guaranteed a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Caldwell, who played for the Hawkeyes in 1973-76 and called Lucas Oil his home stadium as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts, said he won't attend the game. The Lions are off this weekend after playing Thursday night against the Green Bay Packers (8:25 p.m., CBS, NFL Network). But he does plan to watch it somewhere.

"This is quite special," Caldwell said. "They've put together a program that you rarely hear any bad things about them, in terms of the student-athletes that they have there on their campus. They handle themselves the right way. They win the right way. And right now, it's a great national stage that they're on, and they're deserving of it. But great group of coaches, too. Great group of men. Happy for them."

Note: Miami Dolphins reserve defensive tackle C.J. Mosley, a former Lion, has been waived-injured after hurting his calf in Sunday’s loss at the Jets. Mosley, an 11-year veteran, had played in all 11 games as a reserve this season. The Dolphins also waived former Lions linebacker James-Michael Johnson. ... Cleveland Browns starting quarterback Josh McCown, a former Lion, is done for the season after breaking his collarbone in Monday night’s last-second loss to Baltimore. McCown kept playing despite taking a big hit in the second half, but had to leave the field after throwing an incompletion in the fourth quarter.